Belfast: Guided Gin Tour with 7 Gin Tastings

Exploring Belfast isn’t just about its vibrant history, stunning murals, or Titanic legacy — it’s also about experiencing its lively drinking culture. This guided gin tour offers a fantastic way to get acquainted with Belfast’s top bars while sampling some of the finest gins around. We haven’t been on the tour ourselves, but the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions make this an enticing experience for lovers of spirits, social butterflies, or anyone curious about Irish craft.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to try 7 different gins in just over three hours, including three local Belfast options. Second, the opportunity to visit iconic venues like a Victorian Gin Palace and Belfast’s trendiest bars. Third, the knowledgeable guides—with reviewers praising guides like Alex and Dave for their friendliness and expertise. A possible snag might be the tour’s focus on alcohol — it’s perfect if you’re a gin enthusiast but less so if you’re not keen on tasting multiple drinks. This experience is ideal for adults who love good spirits, enjoy social outings, or want an entertaining way to explore Belfast’s bar scene.

Contents show

Key Points

Expert-led experience with knowledgeable guides like Alex and Dave.
Exciting visits to 5 bars, including a Victorian Gin Palace and Belfast’s coolest spots.
Seven tastings, with three being local Irish gins, offering a well-rounded sampling.
Authentic venues, each with its own character and history, enriching the experience.
Flexible scheduling with options to reserve and pay later, plus free cancellation.
Approximate duration of 3.5 hours, making it a manageable yet fulfilling outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Belfast Gin Tour

This 3.5-hour adventure promises a relaxed yet engaging exploration of Belfast’s gin bars. It’s a well-structured journey that balances informative commentary with wine tasting, making it suitable whether you’re a gin novice or a seasoned enthusiast. The tour kicks off outside the historic Crown Liquor Saloon, an ornate Victorian pub that sets the tone for the day. From there, you’ll move through Belfast’s top gin venues, each chosen for their atmosphere, quality of gin, and unique character.

Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Belfast might interest you

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at The Crown Liquor Saloon: This famous Victorian pub is a perfect starting point. Its ornate interior and long-standing reputation make it an ideal introduction to Belfast’s drinking scene. Here, the guide — Alex — will likely share some background about the city’s pub culture and the history of gin in Belfast.

Visit 5 bars in total: Over the course of the tour, you’ll explore a mix of venues that showcase Belfast’s diversity. Expect to visit a Victorian Gin Palace as well as some of the city’s trendiest bars, each with its own vibe. The focus is on quality over quantity, with each bar serving a thoughtfully curated gin selection.

Sampling 7 gins: You’ll get to taste a broad spectrum of gins, including three local Belfast options. This means opportunities to try Irish craft gins that might be difficult to find elsewhere, alongside international varieties. The reviews mention that the selection is perfect, with knowledgeable guides explaining the differences in styles, garnishes, and best uses in cocktails.

Meet the faces behind the gins: Some tastings give you the chance to meet the people who craft these spirits, adding an extra layer of authenticity and insight.

Nibbles included: Light snacks will be served along the way, which helps cleanse your palate and enhance the tasting experience. This thoughtful touch means you won’t just be drinking spirits — you’ll be savoring them.

Finish in the Cathedral Quarter: The tour concludes back near the meeting point, making it conveniently located for those wanting to continue exploring Belfast afterward.

Why This Tour Works

One of the biggest draws, based on reviewer comments, is the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. Erica mentioned that Alex was “lovely,” while Lorraine praised Dave’s expertise and the way he made the experience memorable. This level of personal attention and understanding of gin enhances the overall value.

The venues are well-prepared, as one reviewer noted, with everything set up for a smooth experience. The attention to detail means you can relax and focus on savoring each sip without worrying about logistics.

The variety of gins is another highlight. With seven different gins sampled, including Irish and international brands, you get a comprehensive view of what makes each one special. Whether it’s the botanical mix, smoothness, or unique distillation process, you’ll learn to appreciate these nuances from your guide.

The atmosphere of the Victorian Gin Palace is a definite standout. Its grand decor transports you to a different era and provides a beautiful setting for your first taste. The subsequent bars are chosen for their cool vibe, making each location a memorable part of the journey.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Timing: The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, which strikes a balance between being thorough and not overly long. Starting times are flexible, so you can pick a slot that suits your day, but be sure to check availability in advance.

Group Size: Typically, guided tours like this tend to be intimate, usually small enough to allow for a personalized experience while still maintaining a lively atmosphere.

Cost and Value: While the exact price isn’t listed here, the inclusion of five bars, seven tastings, and a knowledgeable guide suggests it’s good value for a fun, educational experience. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an activity that combines socializing and learning without the hassle of organizing your own pub crawl.

Accessibility and Meeting Point: The meeting point outside The Crown Liquor Saloon makes for a scenic start, especially if you’re already exploring Belfast’s historic pubs. The tour ends back at the same spot, adding convenience.

Booking Flexibility: With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, travelers can plan with confidence.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authentic Experiences and Unique Insights

What truly sets this tour apart is the chance to learn from guides who are passionate and knowledgeable. Reviewers describe Alex and Dave as approachable and enthusiastic, making the tasting sessions educational yet informal.

Many guests appreciated the opportunity to meet the faces behind the gins — a rare chance to connect with the craft and passion of local distillers. This personal touch adds authenticity to an already engaging experience.

The stunning venues and historic settings elevate the tasting beyond just sipping spirits — it becomes a cultural journey through Belfast’s social scene. The Victorian Gin Palace, in particular, offers an ambiance that’s both charming and evocative of a bygone era.

There's plenty more to explore in Belfast

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour suits adults who enjoy spirits, especially gin, and those interested in discovering Belfast’s bar scene from a local perspective. It’s ideal if you like learning about the craft of gin while sipping in beautiful venues. It also works well for small groups or couples seeking a relaxed, social outing.

However, if your aim is a more active sightseeing day or non-alcoholic activities, this might not be the perfect fit. It’s a great choice for those wanting a fun, interactive way to explore Belfast’s nightlife with expert guidance.

The Sum Up

The Belfast Guided Gin Tour offers a well-rounded mix of history, culture, and spirits, delivered by passionate guides in some of the city’s most iconic venues. For those who appreciate a good drink and enjoy learning about its background, this experience provides excellent value and memorable moments. The small-group feeling, the expert commentary, and the chance to taste Irish gins make it a standout activity that’s both entertaining and educational.

If you’re in Belfast and want to combine your sightseeing with a spirited adventure, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s perfect for social travelers, spirits lovers, or anyone curious about Belfast’s vibrant bar scene. Just bring your curiosity, a sense of fun, and an appetite for discovering some of Ireland’s finest gins.

FAQ

How long is the Belfast gin tour? The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, providing a relaxed pace with plenty of tasting and learning.
Where does the tour start? It begins outside The Crown Liquor Saloon, a stunning Victorian pub, which also makes for a convenient meeting point.
How many bars will I visit? You will visit five bars during the tour, each offering a different atmosphere and gin selection.
What is included in the tour? The tour includes visits to five bars and tasting seven different gins, with some snacks provided.
Can I choose the starting time? Yes, but you should check availability for the specific times when booking.
Is there a guide? Yes, a live English-speaking guide will lead the tour, sharing insights and stories along the way.
Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers? No, it’s focused on gin tastings, so it’s best suited for adults who enjoy spirits.
How many gin tastings will I have? You will sample 7 gins in total, including three from Belfast.
Is the tour family-friendly? No, it’s designed for adults due to the alcohol consumption involved.

This Belfast gin tour provides a lively, informative way to explore the city’s burgeoning spirits scene, combining historic venues, expert insights, and a fantastic selection of Irish and international gins. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual sipper, this experience offers a memorable slice of Belfast’s social life.

You can check availability for your dates here: